Happy Easter

We had a very nice, laid back and relaxing Easter. We didn't much of anything planned just hanging out at home and enjoying the beautiful, sunny and warm weather after a very rainy and cold Saturday. Arabella was excited to put out the Easter baskets for the Easter Bunny to fill before she went to bed...and viola! they were stuffed with fun things when she and Max woke up on Easter morning!

When she came down the stairs and saw some eggs that the Easter Bunny had hidden, she was almost as excited as Christmas morning.  As soon as Max saw how excited she was, he joined right in.  They began searching for eggs and had fun running around looking for them.  It was too wet out for the them to be hidden in the backyard, so maybe next year the Easter Bunny can hide them outside.

The Easter Bunny even left Jay and I a few of our favorite treats!

Arabella and I colored eggs while Max was napping. She had fun making some pretty light colors and then she let sit in the dye for a extra long time to make very dark colors. I think the eggs look so pretty when they are dyed.

Max and Arabella played in the sunshine most of the afternoon.  I can only imagine what they are talking about in this picture..so sweet.

Spring Break in Ohio

For Spring Break, we decided to make a quick getaway to Ohio to visit Uncle Mike and Uncle Jeff. It was nice to take a break from the South...I still haven't totally acclimated to things here so it was nice to be back in a place that feels a bit more comfortable. When we left Charlotte, the weather was warm and sunny and that is what we arrived to in Columbus. But when we woke up on Tuesday morning, we had a bit of a white surprise on the ground...

It wasn't much, but it sure was cold and damp!  And I Arabella was excited to see it.

Arabella went for one of many walks with Uncle Mike and Rocco and brought back these pretty daffodils.

Arabella and Uncle Mike put together ALOT of Legos.

We watched a Sesame Street episode all about Passover...so we could get Jay up to speed on "one of his holidays"!

It was also Uncle Jeff's birthday one day while we were there. We had a very yummy lunch at California Pizza Kitchen! Look at the three of them watching the world go by.

Arabella and Uncle Mike made an ice cream cake for Uncle Jeff. They decided it would be fun to do instead of buying a Carvel cake. We were even able to find a recipe for the frosting online and it tasted just like Carvel's. It was so delicious!

We had so much fun during our 4 day visit. There was a visit to the Easter Bunny, egg coloring, playing in the yard and planting, cleaning by Max, a trip to the playground and more. We enjoyed our trip and are already looking forward to the next one!

Wilmington Nationals Cheer Competition

The Wilmington National Cheer Competition was the big, grand finale, cheer competition of the season. Arabella and her teammates practiced so hard and were so excited to do their routine...parts of it so new that they only had 2 weeks to get it down. They did a super job and cheered their hearts out. They learned a few mew stunts and pyramids and knocked the routine out of the gym! We were so nervous while we watched the other teams go and then we had to wait for the judging. When it was time for the awards, I couldn't believe how my stomach was churning. I wanted (and I know the other mom's did too) them to be at the top of their level...and they did it! Our little Diamonds, came in 1st Place in the Tiny Level 1 Prep Division!! We couldn't believe it and the girls were so excited. All their hard work paid off and they knew it. And the trophy that they were awarded was bigger than them! They are already getting ready to practice for next season, and Arabella and Eva will be moving up to the next level because they will be too old to be on the Tinys next year. You girls are amazing little athletes - keep it up!

And, Arabella, you make me so proud. Your drive and determination are so strong. You love nothing more than to tumble and cheer. Every time I turn around, you are practicing your cartwheels, one handed round offs, back walk-overs and front handsprings. I love watching you grow and seeing your love for this sport (and it is a sport, so don't ever let anyone tell you differently). You are one spunky little cheerleader. I can only imagine how much you will be doing next year. You will be a "flyer" (one of the girls that goes up in the air) - just keep working hard and everything will how it is meant to be. I love you my Little Bean...keep it up!

Arabella and Rian. They go to the same school but Rian is in 1st grade. Next year they will be on the same team!

Arabella isn't angry...she is just practicing her "facials"!  I think this photo is hysterical!

Seriously, can they get any cuter???

See what I mean about the huge trophy!!

A selfie with my favorite girl!

Beach Baby

Arabella loves the beach as much as I do. Nothing makes me happier knowing that she can spend hours in the water and sand. She loves looking for shells and chasing the sea gulls around on the beach. I love this picture that I took of her at Wrightsville Beach - it is full of pure joy and happiness.